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Juan Carlos García Shupingahua is a 27-year-old young mestizo man from Sauce, a town located two hours from Tarapoto (home to the famous Laguna Azul). About ten years ago, he was referred to Takiwasi by a psychologist from the Tarapoto judicial system. Extremely shy, he had experienced significant childhood trauma, a severe lack of emotional support within his family, and a visual impairment resulting from congenital glaucoma, which had caused irreversible and almost complete loss of vision in both eyes.

He began a therapeutic process at Takiwasi involving medicinal plants, psychotherapeutic guidance and emotional support, as well as specialized medical follow-up in Lima for his ophthalmological condition. At Takiwasi, he found a substitute family. He went on to pursue higher education in Business Administration at a technological institute, successfully completing his studies. However, given his commitment, academic abilities and desire for personal growth, the possibility of pursuing university studies in psychology was subsequently considered.

In October 2026, Juan Carlos achieved a major milestone: he successfully defended his thesis to obtain his professional degree in Psychology, thus completing five years of university studies at César Vallejo University in Lima, Peru.

This achievement takes on special significance when considering the journey this young man has undertaken, without family support and while living with a severe visual impairment. This condition has presented additional challenges in his daily life and educational journey, which he has faced with admirable strength and determination.

Throughout these years, Juan Carlos has demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance in his studies. His university education was made possible thanks to the ongoing support and guidance of Takiwasi, together with the financial assistance provided by the Fondation Vermont (France), which gave him the means to continue his studies and achieve this important professional milestone.

At Takiwasi, we celebrate this achievement, which marks the beginning of a new chapter in Juan Carlos's life. We also extend our gratitude to the Fondation Vermont for its continued commitment to supporting the higher education of a total of twenty young Indigenous people from the Peruvian Amazon.